Britney Spears' father officially suspended as conservator of her estate
Jamie Spears has been the main controller since 2008
Last updated 30th Sep 2021
Britney Spears' father, Jamie Spears, has officially been suspended as the conservator of the singer's estate, after leading her conservatorship since 2008. After controlling her life and financial decisions for the last 13 years, Jamie has had his power removed - being replaced by a certified public accountant nominated by Britney herself.
During the hearing, Britney's attorney reportedly criticised her father's handling of the conservatorship, saying: "Britney Spears deserves to wake up tomorrow without her father as her conservator."
The judge concluded that it was in Britney's "best interests" to remove her father from the legal agreement, describing the singer's current situation as "untenable" and "reflects a toxic environment".
In a separate petition, Jamie requested that the conservatorship was terminated. Although a date is set for this hearing, the conservatorship is currently still in place, with John Zabel, a certified public accountant nominated by Britney, taking over temporarily.
The upcoming hearing, set for 12th November, will see a judge consider whether or not to terminate the conservatorship altogether.
Britney subtly celebrated the victory recently on her Instagram, with an inspiring caption that ended with: 'Pssss wearing WHITE for NEW BEGINNINGS 🤍🤍🤍' (sic).
Britney has sought to remove her father from his role twice in the last two years. After the singer released a statement about her controversial conservatorship on her Instagram back in June, celebs across the world, including her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, spoke out in support for the ‘Womanizer’ hit maker.
The news comes just days after the release of Netflix's new documentary Britney vs Spears, which revolves around Britney's 13-year, on-going conservatorship. The documentary premiered on 28th September 2021.
At the beginning of September 2021, Jamie formally filed to end the 13-year conservatorship placed over his daughter, which saw him overseeing her life as well as her finances. Earlier this year, Britney appeared in court in order to try and end the conservatorship, stating: "I want my life back."
After news broke in July that a judge had denied Britney's request to remove her father Jamie from his role, he formally wrote that she is: 'entitled to have this court now seriously consider whether this conservatorship is no longer required.'
The filing also read: 'Recent events related to this conservatorship have called into question whether circumstances have changed to such an extent that grounds for establishment of a conservatorship may no longer exist.'
It continued: 'Ms Spears has told this Court that she wants control of her life back without the safety rails of a conservatorship', before continuing: 'As Mr Spears has said again and again, all he wants is what is best for his daughter.
'If Ms Spears wants to terminate the conservatorship and believes that she can handle her own life, Mr Spears believes that she should get that chance.'
The 'Circus' singer, who has been living under the legal agreement which sees her career and finances controlled by her father Jamie Spears since 2008, openly spoke out in court back in June asking a judge to end the agreement, admitting: “I want my life back.”
In a 20 minute speech which was carried out over the phone, the 39-year-old revealed some damaging claims, admitting the conservatorship won't allow her to marry and have children with her Iranian boyfriend Sam Asghari.
Britney went on to say she's allegedly been sent to hospital involuntarily in the past after medication was switched without her knowing.
She said: "This conservatorship is doing me way more harm than good. I deserve to have a life."
After seeing Britney's speech in court, fans and celebs across the world were quick to support the #FreeBritney movement, something which was documented in Sky's Framing Britney Spears earlier this year.
Justin Timberlake, who dated Britney between 1998-2002, took to Twitter to publicly show his support.
He wrote: 'After what we saw today, we should all be supporting Britney at this time. Regardless of our past, good and bad, and no matter how long ago it was… what’s happening to her is just not right. No woman should ever be restricted from making decisions about her own body.
'No one should EVER be held against their will… or ever have to ask permission to access everything they’ve worked so hard for.
'Jess and I send our love, and our absolute support to Britney during this time. We hope the courts, and her family make this right and let her live however she wants to live.'
Mariah Carey also showed her support, writing: 'We love you Britney!!! Stay strong ❤️❤️❤️'.
Halsey then wrote: 'Bless Britney and I hope with my whole heart she is awarded freedom from this abusive system. She deserves it more than anything. I admire her courage speaking up for herself today.
'Additionally, f--- anyone who thinks they have the authority as an institution or individual to control a person’s reproductive health. #FreeBritney' (sic)
Celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Lisa Rinna and Andy Cohen chose to show their support by simple using #FreeBritney on Twitter.
Khloe Kardashian then added: 'No one should be treated like this. Stay strong Queen!! You deserve better 💜🦄🌈✨💜 #FreeBritney' (sic)
Jameela Jamil wrote on Twitter: 'Wishing All the luck in the world to Tahani’s good friend, Britney Spears today. It is the most bizarre theft of freedom that has happened right in front of our eyes for over a decade now, and I hope she finds assistance with organizing her life that she is comfortable with now.' (sic)
Britney took to her Instagram just days after, apologising to fans for 'pretending like I'm ok'. The singer explained why she had been sharing mixed messages on social media.
Friends, fans and some more huge names headed to the comments section to share their support for the 'Circus' hit-maker.
The conservatorship over Britney has been in place since 2008, despite the legal arrangement usually acting as a temporary measure.
Britney has tried and failed in the past to remove her father, with June being the first time she had publicly appeared in court about the controversial conservatorship which takes full control of her life choices.
Now check out all of the TV shows and movies Britney has appeared in:
Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1999)
Brit took part in an episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch after lead actress Melissa Joan Hart starred in the music video for her song, 'You Drive Me Crazy', which was itself the title track for Melissa's film Drive Me Crazy. In the episode, Sabrina thinks about moving to Paris to live with her dad, and Britney is summoned to give her a private concert.
Kenan & Kel (1999)
In 1999, Britney appeared in Nickelodeon's children's TV show Kenan & Kel as herself, meeting the pair during their trip to Hollywood. At one point, they gave her a makeover - and it's safe to say she wasn't happy with it!
The Simpsons (2000)
You're not really famous unless you've made an appearance in The Simpsons - and Britney got her role in 2000. Voicing a yellow version of herself, her character was in Springfield to present an awards ceremony with Kent Brockman, and accidentally killed the town's oldest resident after kissing him on the cheek. She then gives the award to the second-oldest - Mr Burns - who begs her not to give him the "kiss of death".
Longshot (2001)
Britney starred as a member of the cabin crew in a film called Longshot, back in 2001. The film was about two brothers played by Tony DeCamillis and Joey Sculthorpe. Younger brother Alex (Joey Sculthorpe) gets caught up in his older brother's activities.
Crossroads (2002)
Ok, so technically this isn't a cameo as Britney actually played the lead role in the 2002 film, but you can't leave out her turn in Crossroads! Brit played Lucy Wagner alongside Zoe Saldana and Kim Catrall in the coming-of-age movie, and also contributed single 'I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman' to the soundtrack.
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
Britney once again took to the big screen in Austin Powers, playing a robot version of herself. It turns out that Britney's appearance as herself in the third Austin Powers film was all down to Beyoncé.
She told the Calgary Sun: "She called me. She said she desperately wanted to be in the movie and wanted to wear a bra that shot bullets. We managed to accommodate her requests."
Pauly Shore Is Dead (20030
In 2003, Britney appeared in Pauly Shore Is Dead, a mockumentary comedy film, written and produced by American actor and comedian Pauly Shore. In 2023, the film celebrated its 20th anniversary, and Pauly shared a behind the scenes video on YouTube.
Will & Grace (2006)
Britney took part in one of Will & Grace's eighth season episodes, playing Amber-Louise - Jack's new co-host on 'JackTalk'.
How I Met Your Mother (2008)
She had two turns in CBS series, How I Met Your Mother. Britney starred as Abby in season three, the receptionist of Stella Zinman, Ted Mosby's tattoo laser removal physician who he gets a crush on. Abby in turn gets a crush on him, and is devastated to find out that he's actually interested in Stella.
How I Met Your Mother (2008)
Britney returned six episodes later as Abby - but this time, she enters into a relationship with Ted's best friend Barney Stinson, even getting engaged to try and make Ted jealous.
Glee (2010)
Britney's songs appeared in the TV show Glee more times than we can remember, but she actually made an appearance herself in the second episode of season two.
The Pauly D Project (2012)
In 2012, Britney starred in an episode of The Pauly D Project called Divas, Diamonds and D... The episode followed Pauly opening for Britney in Puerto Rico. The reality TV series aired for just one series of 12 episodes.
Jane The Virgin (2015)
Britney's appearance in Jane The Virgin was iconic. It wasn't just a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of situation either - pretty much the entire episode revolved around Britney's feud with Rogelio, and the pair putting aside their differences.
Now read:
Britney Spears: Everything you need to know about the star
How to watch Framing Britney Spears
Justin Timberlake shares first ever snap of son Phineas in sweet Father's Day post